Targeting a specific protein to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer and related muscle loss
Targeting Perp in PDAC tumor and cancer cachexia
This study is looking at how a protein called Perp affects pancreatic cancer and the weight loss that often comes with it, hoping to find ways to slow down the cancer and help patients feel better, especially those with a specific gene mutation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056857 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Perp in pancreatic cancer and the associated condition known as cachexia, which leads to severe muscle and fat loss in patients. By using animal models, the researchers aim to understand how inhibiting Perp can reduce tumor growth and improve the overall health of patients suffering from this aggressive cancer. The study focuses on patients with mutations in the p53 gene, which is linked to more severe disease outcomes. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance patient survival and quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those exhibiting cachexia and mutations in the p53 gene.
Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not have cachexia or p53 mutations may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer and cachexia.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting specific proteins in cancer treatment is a common approach, the specific targeting of Perp in the context of pancreatic cancer and cachexia is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasgupta, Aneesha — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Dasgupta, Aneesha
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.